Strike Looms Over Richmond's Entertainment Venues: A Potential Storm for ASM Global
Thursday, Jan 16, 2025 5:16 pm ET
4min read Richmond, VA — The entertainment industry in Richmond is bracing for a potential storm as approximately 200 stage workers at The Altria Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, and John Paul Jones Arena prepare for a possible strike. Represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 87, crewmembers have been engaged in over six months of contract negotiations, seeking fair wages and benefits. A critical strike vote is set to take place on Monday, where members will decide whether to proceed with a work stoppage. If a strike is called, it could disrupt several major events, including performances of MJ the Musical at The Altria Theatre and upcoming University of Virginia Men and Women’s College Basketball games at John Paul Jones Arena. The IATSE International President, Matthew D. Loeb, has pre-authorized members to strike if a deal is not reached soon.
The potential strike could have significant implications for the financial outlook of ASM Global's Richmond venues. These venues rely heavily on the expertise and dedication of Local 87 members to deliver exceptional productions and events. A work stoppage could lead to lost revenue and potential damage to the venues' reputations, ultimately affecting ASM Global's financial performance in the Richmond area. Additionally, the strike could exacerbate the existing challenge of attracting and retaining skilled workers in the industry, further impacting the venues' long-term financial outlook.
The key factors driving the wage demands of IATSE Local 87 members are:
1. Low Wages: The base rate for a stagehand at ASM's Richmond venues remains below $20 per hour, placing the Richmond area among the lowest-paying markets in the region for stagehands. This has led to difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers in the industry.
2. Lack of Wage Increases: Over the past six years, workers have received minimal 1% annual raises from ASM with no increases in benefits, despite historically high inflation. This stagnant wage growth has not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
3. Physically Demanding and Highly Technical Work: The nature of the work done by IATSE Local 87 members is physically demanding and highly technical, yet the current pay does not reflect the value of their skills and the importance of their role in delivering exceptional productions and events.
4. Fair and Livable Wage: The members are seeking a fair and livable wage that meets the needs of working families and keeps pace with recent rises in inflation. They believe that their work deserves a wage that reflects the value they bring to the industry and the local economy.
5. Partnership with Venues: IATSE Local 87 has a long-standing partnership with the venues they serve, contributing significantly to the city's cultural landscape. They hope that ASM management will come to the table with a fair offer so they can continue supporting the region's vibrant live entertainment scene.
The strike could also have broader implications for the entertainment industry in Richmond and beyond. ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries, and over 300 of the world's most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. If the strike proceeds, it could disrupt several major events, leading to a ripple effect on other venues and events managed by ASM Global, as well as the broader entertainment industry. The strike could also set a precedent for other stage workers and unions, potentially leading to further labor unrest and negotiations in the industry. Additionally, the strike highlights the importance of fair wages and benefits for workers in the entertainment industry, which could have broader implications for labor relations and worker rights in the sector.
In conclusion, the potential strike by stage workers at The Altria Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, and John Paul Jones Arena could have significant financial and broader industry implications for ASM Global and the entertainment industry as a whole. The key factors driving the wage demands of IATSE Local 87 members, combined with the potential impact on ASM Global's financial outlook and the broader entertainment industry, underscore the importance of addressing the concerns of stage workers and ensuring fair wages and benefits for all workers in the entertainment industry.
The potential strike could have significant implications for the financial outlook of ASM Global's Richmond venues. These venues rely heavily on the expertise and dedication of Local 87 members to deliver exceptional productions and events. A work stoppage could lead to lost revenue and potential damage to the venues' reputations, ultimately affecting ASM Global's financial performance in the Richmond area. Additionally, the strike could exacerbate the existing challenge of attracting and retaining skilled workers in the industry, further impacting the venues' long-term financial outlook.
The key factors driving the wage demands of IATSE Local 87 members are:
1. Low Wages: The base rate for a stagehand at ASM's Richmond venues remains below $20 per hour, placing the Richmond area among the lowest-paying markets in the region for stagehands. This has led to difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers in the industry.
2. Lack of Wage Increases: Over the past six years, workers have received minimal 1% annual raises from ASM with no increases in benefits, despite historically high inflation. This stagnant wage growth has not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
3. Physically Demanding and Highly Technical Work: The nature of the work done by IATSE Local 87 members is physically demanding and highly technical, yet the current pay does not reflect the value of their skills and the importance of their role in delivering exceptional productions and events.
4. Fair and Livable Wage: The members are seeking a fair and livable wage that meets the needs of working families and keeps pace with recent rises in inflation. They believe that their work deserves a wage that reflects the value they bring to the industry and the local economy.
5. Partnership with Venues: IATSE Local 87 has a long-standing partnership with the venues they serve, contributing significantly to the city's cultural landscape. They hope that ASM management will come to the table with a fair offer so they can continue supporting the region's vibrant live entertainment scene.
The strike could also have broader implications for the entertainment industry in Richmond and beyond. ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries, and over 300 of the world's most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues. If the strike proceeds, it could disrupt several major events, leading to a ripple effect on other venues and events managed by ASM Global, as well as the broader entertainment industry. The strike could also set a precedent for other stage workers and unions, potentially leading to further labor unrest and negotiations in the industry. Additionally, the strike highlights the importance of fair wages and benefits for workers in the entertainment industry, which could have broader implications for labor relations and worker rights in the sector.
In conclusion, the potential strike by stage workers at The Altria Theatre, Dominion Energy Center, and John Paul Jones Arena could have significant financial and broader industry implications for ASM Global and the entertainment industry as a whole. The key factors driving the wage demands of IATSE Local 87 members, combined with the potential impact on ASM Global's financial outlook and the broader entertainment industry, underscore the importance of addressing the concerns of stage workers and ensuring fair wages and benefits for all workers in the entertainment industry.
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